We regularly treat Tendinitis in our central  Peverell Chiropractic Clinic.  The Knee, ankle, elbow in fact most joints can have an associated tendinitis, Achilles tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the largest, thickest and strongest tendon in the body.  It measures about six inches in length and it joins the calf muscles, the soleus and gastrocnemius to the rear of the heel bone.

Anatomy of the Achilles Tendon.

Tendinitis of the Achilles tendon, generally caused by overuse of the affected limb, overuse of both the tendons and muscles of the limb is common among people training under less than ideal conditions.  Injuries of the Achilles tendon may begin gradually and maybe fairly well progressed before the pain is felt or they may occur because of an overexertion injury, for example running much further than normal or altering your running routine, for eg. running over a more hilly course than you are used to.  Non sporting incidences are often related to footwear, for example wearing flip flops on holiday when you are used to wearing a slight heel, or walking barefoot along the beach for a few miles, a rare event in the UK with the weather the way it has been in the last few years!.  Tightness of the calf muscles may be a precipitating factor so this condition may occur a few weeks after beginning a fitness routine if you have not exercised for a long time.  Very occassionally a very mild Sciatica (an irritation of the Sciatic nerve) may precipitate a tendinitis as the calf muscles may tighten because of the increased firing of the nerves supplying them.

The principles of our treatment of Tendinitis injuries

We use a multifactorial approach to treatment in our clinic as we find that this provides more effective results.

Achilles Tendon taping

Tendinitis treatments in our clinic consist of of a combination of the following techniques, all of which are helpful but need to be used in conjunction with each other.

• Inflammation reduction using ice, and medication (if permissible).
• Our Core treatment consisting of Massage, Deep tissue therapy and fascial manipulation to reduce muscle spasm, scar tissue and facilitate fascial and tendon repair and healing.
• Taping the affected area to support the damaged tissues and muscles to speed up recovery.
• Exercise therapy and stretching to strengthen and return the weakened muscles, damaged tendons and connective tissue to their normal state.

Just giving exercises is only a partial treatment as is just taping the affected areas:

As with any tendinitis the inflammation must first be reduced.  This is normally apparent a  a slight swelling at the base of

Elena Long our Sports Massage Therapist relaxing a tight calf muscle

the tendon near the heel.  This is normally facilitated by regularly icing the area and taking a short course of anti-inflammatory tablets.  During this time it is important that the area is correctly taped to support the tendon and prevent excessive stretching.  Kinesio taping is ideal for this as it can also be used to help reduce the local inflammation at the tendon/bone junction on the heel (Calcaneous).  Advice on footwear as it is helpful for the first few weeks to try and avoid walking barefoot or with heelless shoes as these tend to put excessive tension onto the Achilles tendon.

Deep tissue therapy, fascial release and sports massage are used in our clinic to facilitate healing and repair of the damaged tendon and contracted and tight calf muscles.

The common tendinitis and soft tissue injuries we treat are shown below:

Taping a knee tendinitis in our Plymouth clinic.

• Achilles Tendinitis
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfers elbow
• Patella tendinitis
• RSI
• Shoulder rotator cuff injuries
• Runners knee
• Medial ligament injuries of the knee
• Ankle sprains